Malcolm X Research Paper

Kyle Nelson
Professor Lemon
Writing 301
November 12, 2014

Inspiring a Generation

Malcolm X's militant pro-black leadership and ideals of freedom inspired a generation to have self-preservation and pride, while Nelson Mandela's inspiring optimism gave him strength to survive twenty seven years of imprisonment and aid the end of racial segregation in a previously divided South Africa. Inspiration is a powerful tool which has the ability to give and take hope from the people. Susan Cain's Quiet stresses on the problem that in our culture we value outgoing personalities above all else and it can be difficult or even shameful to be an introvert.
While we live in a world that never stops talking, being introverted can pose awkward situations

Although Cain believes that introverts can lead better than extroverts, I believe an effective leader must be inspiring.

In a time where prejudice reigned and freedom was color blind, Malcolm X (born Malcolm
Little) emerged as one of America's most inspiring civil rights activists. X went from being a
"drug peddling womanizing burglar," as described in his self-titled autobiography, to being the founder of the Muslim Mosque Inc. and Organization for Afro-American Unity. During his lifetime, X learned that there was no way to escape his black identity and as a result embraced his image and portrayed a militant pro-black leader infinitely looking for freedom. Injustice and racism were issues so omnipresent that X could not let them go condoned any longer. Raised by the lucrative Harlem streets, X led a life of crime which inevitably landed him in prison. After years of study in prison, Malcolm reconsidered his racial identity and converted to the Nation of
Islam inspired by the leader of the Black Muslim movement, Elijah Muhammad. His acceptance of the Nation’s belief reversed his understanding of racism believing black people are an

Even after X's death his role in history will remain in the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.
Overall Malcolm X's dynamic leadership advocated black pride, self-improvement, self-reliance and as a result inspired a generation to have self preservation and pride.

Though X had a militant approach towards equality, Nelson Mandela's inspiring peaceful attitude aided the end of racial segregation in a previously divided South Africa. Mandela was a man who was true to his word and dedicated to equality and peace. The fact that he was president isn’t what makes him stand out, but the fact that he was devoted to non-violent resistance for peace and equality demonstrated his inspiration as an effective leader. Mandela first became active in politics with the election of the “Afrikaner-dominated National Party.” During the election he stayed true to his belief of non-violent resistance, which he adopted from Gandhi, and was arrested and charged with treason and was imprisoned. Even in imprisonment, Mandela's will was not broken and stayed true to his beliefs showing his true inspiration to go